Thousands lose power as storms sock central NJ

Thousands of utility customers in central New Jersey remained without power Sunday night after a series of severe storms moved through the region.

The first wave of storms, which contained lightning and heavy rains, knocked out power to about 30,000 customers on Saturday afternoon. And thousands more lost their service when more severe thunderstorms hit late Saturday night and early Sunday, knocking down numerous trees and power lines.

Jersey Central Power and Light says roughly 4,700 customers were still without electricity as of 7 p.m. Sunday, though the majority of customers were expected to have their service restored sometime Sunday night.

The storms also damaged several tents and the grounds at the Monmouth County Fair in Freehold Township, forcing officials to cancel the fair's final day of events on Sunday.